Premier League Top Scorer – Football Betting Odds and Tips

In terms of individual success, it’s every striker’s dream to become the Premier League’s Top Scorer. Let’s take a look at the betting odds and hopefully select some profitable football tips.

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Premier League Top Scorer

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The Barclays Golden Boot is awarded to the footballer who accumulates the most goals in any given league campaign. Previous winners include Alan Shearer, Michael Owen, Cristiano Ronaldo and four-time-winner Thierry Henry.

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Manchester United-striker Wayne Rooney heads the betting market at 9/2 along with World Cup-winner Fernando Torres. Liverpool-born Rooney notched up 26 goals in the league last season while Torres scored an impressive 18 league goals from just twenty-two appearances, but worryingly, both players failed to find the net in the World Cup Finals.

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Last year’s Premier League Top Scorer was Didier Drogba, who is available in the betting at 11/2. Now a two-time-winner of the Golden Boot, Drogba fired 29 goals from thirty-two appearances last season. Although temperamental, the 32-year-old Ivorian striker has fantastic awareness, control and chemistry with his teammates. Drogba is also an immense figure on the football field, to the point that he gives Chelsea a psychological advantage over the opposition. But, at odds of 11/2, I’m swerving the Chelsea striker. Any niggling injuries could see the ageing Drogba sidelined for sustained periods throughout the Premier League campaign.

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Arsenal forward Robin van Persie is next in the betting at 10/1. Despite being sidelined for most of the season, the Dutchman netted 9 times for The Gunners last term. He is more accustomed with assisting his teammates with scoring opportunities so for that reason alone he represents no value at the current odds. New Arsenal signing Marouane Chamakh will likely partner van Persie up front and the Morrocan, who netted 56 goals for Bordeaux, is priced at 33/1 to be leading scorer in this season’s Premier League.

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Big-spending Manchester City will likely start the league season with the strike partnership of Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor. The Argentinian is priced at 12/1 while the former Arsenal striker is available at an eye-catching 25/1. City are likely to offload Welsh international Craig Bellamy, but if he remains at the City of Manchester Stadium, he is currently available at 50/1 to become the Premier League’s Top Scorer.

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Tottenham’s Jermaine Defoe is available at 18/1 in the betting. The England striker found the net 18 times in the league last season and should be be noted for the shortlist. Defoe’s club and international teammate Peter Crouch is priced at 40/1 while Russian frontman Roman Pavlyuchenko is 66/1. Out-of-favour striker Robbie Keane isn’t available in the betting but following extensive pre-season training, the Irishman looks in tip-top shape and could spring a surprise this season at large betting odds.

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Midfield maestro’s Frank Lampard, 25/1, Steven Gerrard 30/1, Cesc Fabregas 33/1 and Tim Cahill 80/1 will be popular with the betting public while Chelsea’s ticking time-bomb Nicolas Anelka 20/1 seems likely to be opposed following his foolish antics during this summer’s World Cup. Distressed Sunderland striker Darren Bent is available at 18/1 while the relaxed, yet sloppy Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is priced at 40/1. Of the remaining footballers in the betting for the Premier League Top Scorer, Louis Saha 40/1, and Hugo Rodellega 66/1 both stand out as decent betting propositions.

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Betting Tip: Wayne Rooney 9/2

Frank Lampard scored 22 goals in the Premier League last season and at 25/1 he may represent a small bit of value against those at the head of the betting, but this year I expect more fireworks from Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, 24-year-old Rooney revelled in his more advanced role last season, notching up an impressive tally of 26 league goals. Once again he will be United’s highest goalscorer and as he continues his education higher up the pitch, I expect Wayne Rooney to be crowned Premier League Top Scorer.

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See all the odds.

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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United will be under pressure to sell off up to 15 players at the end of the season to help clear their rising debt, reported to be about £716m. Striker Michael Owen and keeper Ben Foster are likely to be top of the list for the axe.(Daily Star) 
Veteran former Scotland striker Paul Dickov, a free agent after leaving Leicester in January, will join League One title hopefuls Leeds on Monday.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Five Chelsea players have pledged their support to former team-mate Wayne Bridge in the wake of their captain John Terry's alleged affair with the Manchester City defender's former partner.(Daily Mail) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane sympathises with Bridge's decision to quit England, claiming "getting the big contract, the Bentley and the blonde" has replaced playing the international game as "the pinnacle" for players. (Daily Mail) 
Olympic and world sprint champion Usain Bolt is desperate for Manchester United to beat Aston Villa in Sunday's Carling Cup final. He will be watching in his Kingston home and said: "I want to be celebrating at the end."(The Sun) 
Milton Keynes Dons manager Paul Ince is facing the axe, with former Watford and Reading boss Brendan Rodgers being lined up to replace him. (Daily Mail) 
Reading have decided not to appeal against Jobi McAnuff's red card in the FA Cup fifth-round replay victory over West Brom, ruling the winger out of the Royals' quarter-final clash against Aston Villa.(Daily Mail) 
The Premier League could introduce fines if members fail to stick to an agreement made at the start of the season on giving interviews to rights holders. It could lead to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson speaking to the BBC once again. Ferguson fell out with the corporation after a 2004 documentary about his son Jason. (The Independent) 
Rangers manager Walter Smith has told goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who this week claimed he was attacked at a city centre taxi rank, he is on his last chance over his off-the-field antics. (The Sun)
Rangers' Walter Smith says it is understandable that striker Kris Boyd has called off contract talks because of the uncertainty over the club's finances and the manager's future. (Various) 
Scotland's under-fire referees will be wined and dined by the Scottish Football Association before next week's friendly with Czech Republic as a defiant show of support to officials. (The Sun)
Rangers striker Kenny Miller has hit back at Celtic's claims that they get a raw deal from referees, saying he suffered a harsh red card against Dundee United that ruled him out of the last Old Firm derby. (Various) 

AND FINALLY

Former Manchester United and Aston Villa striker Dwight Yorke is in reflective mood ahead of the Carling Cup final. When asked about a premature end to a four-year Old Trafford career in 2002, he said: "Would I give up the women and nights out for another year at United? Would that make me happy? Would that make me the person I am today? I'm not so sure."(Daily Express)
www.bbc.co.uk

Sunday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has admitted that his chances of signing Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko are all but over. (Sunday Mercury) 
Middlesbrough are bracing themselves for a second, take-it-or-leave-it £7m bid from Manchester City for winger Adam Johnson. (Sunday Sun) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Spurs striker Robbie Keane could be on his way to Sunderland after Black Cats manager Steve Bruce made a £9m offer for the Tottenham forward.(News of the World) 
Keane's arrival at the Stadium of Light could signal the departure of Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones to Liverpool. (Sunday Mirror) 
Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun is set to quit Liverpool after becoming disillusioned with life at Anfield. (News of the World) 
Wolves' £4m bid for Stephen Hunt has been rejected by Hull City who say the winger is staying put. (Sunday Mirror) 
Wolves and Fulham are battling it out to sign Egypt striker Mohamed Gedo, who has impressed at the Africa Cup of Nations.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester United striker Michael Owen could be on his way out of Old Trafford in the summer having failed to impress manager Alex Ferguson.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester City are set to pip Inter Milan to the signing of Parma's £7m midfielder McDonald Mariga.(Mail on Sunday) 
Sunderland are poised to sign Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne.(Sunday Mirror) 
Wigan look to have won the race to sign Crystal Palace's £2.5m-rated striker Victor Moses.(Mail on Sunday) 
Thierry Henry looks set to leave Barcelona in the summer with the Spanish giants tracking Valencia's David Silva or Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery to fill the left side of their attack. (Mail on Sunday) 
Arsenal manager has revealed he has £30m to spend with Valencia's David Villa and Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh on his wish list.(Mail on Sunday) 
Wenger is also keeping tabs on Real Madrid winger Pablo Sarabia, who is a free agent at the end of the season. (News of the World) 
Both of Barcelona's presidential candidates have put Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas top of their wanted list.(News of the World) 
Tottenham are trying to sign Manchester United keeper Ben Foster after a move for Portsmouth stopper Asmir Begovic fell through on Saturday. (News of the World) 
Fiorentina are lining up a loan move for Tottenham striker Roman Pavlychenko.(News of the World) 
West Ham are interested in taking Spurs right-back Alan Hutton on loan. (News of the World) 
Rangers have rejected a £3.5m offer from Sunderland for Algeria defender Madjid Bougherra. (News of the World)
Celtic have upped their bid for Preston North End central defender Sean St Ledger by a third to £3m. (Sunday Mail) 
Cardiff City sources say Celtic will have to pay more than £5m if they want striker Ross McCormack. (News of the World/Sunday Herald)
Cardiff City striker Ross McCormack says he would be interested in a switch to Celtic should the club he supported as a boy make an approach. (Sunday Mail) 
Celtic are locked in talks with Real Mallorca over the transfer of defender Ivan Ramis after increasing their offer to £2m. (Sunday Mail)
Celtic are closing in on a loan deal for Fulham forward Diomansy Kamara, who worked with manager Tony Mowbray at West Brom. (Sunday Mail)


OTHER GOSSIP

Juventus have agreed terms with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez for him to manage the Serie A club next season. (The Independent) 
Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge is set to give up his England career following the John Terry allegations. (Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is set to ignore interest from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid and sign a new four-year contract worth £24m in the summer.(Sunday Express) 
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Saar is closer than ever to his club after he was allowed three weeks off to care for his wife after she had suffered a brain haemorrhage just before Christmas.(Sunday Mirror) 
Portsmouth narrowly avoided becoming the first Premier League club to go into administration after raising vital funds from the sale of defender Younes Kaboul to Tottenham on Saturday.(Sunday Mirror) 
But Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie has revealed that the cash-strapped club are only weeks away from going bust.(News of the World) 
Striker Robin van Persie is to hand Arsenal's title push a boost with a return to fitness from his ankle injury in March rather than April or May as feared. (Mail on Sunday) 
West Ham midfielder Kieron Dyer has been given a month to prove his fitness or face being forced into retirement.(News of the World) 

AND FINALLY

Wayne Rooney is at the centre of a legal battle over his future earnings and will appear in court on Monday to defend himself against a multi-million-pound lawsuit. (Sunday Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Argentine striker Sergio Aguero will be offered to Chelsea and Manchester rivals United and City for £40m by his club Atletico Madrid. Chelsea were favourites to sign the 21-year-old, but discussions on his personal terms have stalled.(The Mirror) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is keen to sign Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy despite branding the player a "nuisance". Bellamy, one of City's top performers this season, was reportedly unhappy at the sacking of Blues manager Mark Hughes. (The Times)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is desperate to sign a target man in January, with Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones, Manchester City's Roque Santa Cruz and Liverpool old boy Emile Heskey all on his wanted list.(The Mirror) 
Manchester United will offload 22-year-old Serbian winger Zoran Tosic in January. Tosic signed last January in a £7m deal, but has yet to start a game for the club.(The Mirror) 
Meanwhile, City could bolster their attack by moving for Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini. The 25-year-old averages a goal every other game in Serie A.(The Sun) 
Striker Luca Toni could make a January move to Chelsea, with the Blues forced to cope without Didier Drogba, among others during, the African Cup of Nations. Toni, 32, was top scorer for Bayern Munich last season, but has been linked with a move since exiting the ground after being substituted in a recent match.(The Sun) 
Wolves will look to tempt Craig Gardner from Aston Villa in January. The £3m-rated midfielder could move in search of first-team football. (The Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has told rivals City that he will outlast 20 more managers at Eastlands, having already seen 14 come and go. Ferguson, 68, has hinted he could retire within the next two years.(The Times) 
Ferguson, though, has been rocked by the news that striker Dimitar Berbatov requires knee surgery and will be out for three months.(The Sun) 
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, 25, will be offered a new long-term contract to stave off interest from Real Madrid.(The Times) 
Michael Dawson could have played his way into England's World Cup squad. The Spurs centre back started the season as fourth choice at club level, but injuries and a string of fine performances have seen club manager Redknapp push his case to England coach Fabio Capello.(Daily Star) 
However, Michael Owen is still unlikely to make the plane despite his recent Champions League hat-trick against Wolfsburg. Capello will only pick the striker if he gets more regular football for Manchester United.(The Sun) 
And Owen's Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand could also be a doubt for South Africa, with club manager Ferguson admitting there is "no light" in terms of his recovery from a back injury.(The Independent) 

AND FINALLY

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti could see his extremities turn blue if he goes back on a promise not to sign anyone during the January transfer window.
The Premier League leaders, who have had a transfer ban suspended, will be deprived of several first-team players during the African Cup of Nations, but Ancelotti has promised to run naked in the snow if they dip their toe into the winter market.(Daily Star)

www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City are ready to make a move for Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure in January.(The Sun) 
City boss Mark Hughes is also keen to sign Inter Milan full-back Maicon but, if he fails, will turn his attention to Osasuna right-back Cesar Azpilicueta.(The Sun) 
Chelsea target Angel di Maria, the 21-year-old Benfica winger, has admitted he could be tempted by a move to England.(Various) 
Former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko could be set for a shock return to the Premier League with Birmingham. Ambitious new Blues owner Carson Yeung wants to sign the 33-year-old from Dynamo Kiev in January.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland look set to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson, whose contract expires next summer, for £3m in January.(The Sun)  
And Black Cats boss Steve Bruce has abandoned plans to sign a new goalkeeper because he says number one Craig Gordon is proving to be the "real deal". (Daily Telegraph) 
Portsmouth are hoping to re-sign former striker Benjani from Manchester City and midfielder Gary O'Neill from Middlesbrough once their cash crisis eases in January.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp will use goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes's mistakes against Arsenal as evidence he should launch a January bid for Portsmouth number one David James.(Daily Express) 
New Hull chairman Adam Pearson is determined to ease the club's crippling financial problems by overseeing a squad clear-out in January. (Various) 
Bolton manager Gary Megson is plotting a £5m double raid on Bristol City for striker Nicky Maynard and midfielder Marvin Elliot. (Daily Star) 
Megson is prepared to let veteran midfielder Gavin McCann leave either on loan or permanently in January.(Daily Star) 
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola will make a January move for Bordeaux's Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh to bolster his attack. (Daily Express) 
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton is lining up a £4m bid to make Sheffield United defender Matt Kilgallon his first signing since taking over on a permanent basis at St James' Park.(The Sun) 
Ipswich are looking to sign Senegal midfielder Ibrahim Faye on a free transfer from French side Troyes AC. (Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres could be forced to undergo surgery on a groin problem and may face two months on the sidelines.(Various) 
Torres' problem is a hernia and it might require surgery is he is over-played, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been warned. (The Times) 
New Hull chairman Adam Pearson is investigating the club's signing of Jimmy Bullard from Fulham in January amid concern over the medical examination carried out on the midfielder.(The Sun) 
Hull are believed to have spent a staggering £5.5m in agents' fees in the two years Paul Duffen was the club's chairman and chief executive. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United striker Michael Owen believes playing Champions League football with the Old Trafford club will help him secure a place in England's 2010 World Cup squad.(The Sun) 
Owen's fellow United forward Wayne Rooney will miss Tuesday's Champions League match against CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford following the birth of his first child, Kai. (Daily Mirror) 
United defender Rio Ferdinand is set to miss his side's meeting with Chelsea on Sunday and England;s World Cup warm-up against Brazil on 14 November with a calf problem.(Daily Express) 
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is set to attend his first Manchester City game next week since completing his £210m takeover of the club in September 2008.(Daily Telegraph) 
Arsenal striker Andrey Arshavin believes his side have the quality to win the Premier League and Champions League this season. (Daily Star)
Former Reading manager Steve Coppell is favourite to become the new manager of Brighton after Russell Slade's sacking. Coppell had a brief stint in charge of the Seagulls in 2002/2003.(The Sun) 
England coach Fabio Capello will unveil a sculpture of England's 1966 World Cup-winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey at Wembley on Friday. (The Sun) 
The Football Association's hopes of convincing Werder Bremen forward Aaron Hunt to play for England are unlikely to succeed after the Werder Bremen forward, who has represented Germany at youth levels but qualifies for England through his mother, pledged his future to Germany.(Various) 
Sheffield Wednesday are the latest club to be affected by a virus and the Championship club have told their players to train on their own. (The Sun) 
Ipswich made a loss of £10.3m in the 12 months to June 2009, bringing their total debt to more than £35m as the effects of Marcus Evans's ownership of the club were realised. (Daily Telegraph) 

AND FINALLY

The unusual name given to the newborn son of Wayne Rooney was picked by the Manchester United striker's wife Coleen. Kai, the 68th most popular name for baby boys in the UK, has several different meanings around the world. In Burma it means unbreakable, in Nigeria it can mean love, in Japan it translates as the ocean and in Chinese Mandarin it means victory. In ancient Persian it means Great King and in Scandinavia it can mean keeper of the keys.(The Sun) 

Sunderland striker Darren Bent has been urged to watch his words and avoid any controversy on his Twitter account ahead of Saturday's return to Tottenham.(Daily Mail)

www.bbc.co.uk

Man Utd 1-0 Wolverhampton

Danny Welbeck marked his first start of the season with the winning goal as 10-man Manchester United edged past Wolves into the Carling Cup fourth round.
The United substitute was set free by a superb Michael Owen pass and he slotted in to send the holders through. 
That came after Fabio da Silva had seen red for a deliberate foul on Michael Kightly, who was clean through on goal. 
But Wolves played their part in a fine game, David Jones and Kevin Doyle both forcing saves from Tomasz Kuszczak. 
The Premier League new-boys lived up to their pre-match word that they would go for the victory at Old Trafford, despite not having won a top-flight match there in almost 30 years. 606:
But the game's one moment of true class told as United overcame the first hurdle of their defence of the trophy they won on penalties against Spurs last February. 
Not that Sir Alex Ferguson ranks that as his greatest priority this season if his selection is anything to by, with the Scot selecting an entirely different XI to the one that started Sunday's derby win over Manchester City.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"You can't argue with the red card, but Fabio is only 18 and this experience will help him grow. 
"Even before we went down to 10 men Wolves were a threat on the counter-attack, but for the last hour we kept our discipline and that was very pleasing. That never-say-die attitude runs through this club and the goal was of magnificent quality. 
"Who do I want next? (Son Darren's side) Peterborough at home. All the family should be happy with that." 
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy: 
"My assessment was that we weren't good enough to win it - we've been sat down, patted on the head and sent on our way. 
"Nice old Wolves, come up put on a show but don't upset the apple cart. It annoys me."
www.bbc.co.uk

Manchester Utd. - Wolverhampton

I won’t waste the words too much on United and their current form. Sir Alex again pulled something from the hat and this squad is again fully competitive. Five wins and one defeat (vs. Burnley on the road, 0-1) in Premier League, so far. For tonight’s encounter some youngsters and fringe players will get a chance. Goalie will be Tomasz Kuszczak instead walking disaster, Ben Foster. Central defenders will be Wes Brown and Jonny Evans. Just a fact Brown will be in front suggest a decent possibility of conceding goals. Gibson, Macheda, Welbeck, Brown, Tosic, some of them will also appear. Michael Owen will be in attack as the reward for Saturday’s winner. Far from disputing their talent, just don’t think they can be fully competitive and play on result. Despite some good results in past, Sir Alex doesn’t rank Cup competition (especially League Cup) too high and I think any upset tonight wouldn’t even take a smile, after Saturday’s win, from his face. They have a clash against Stoke at Saturday and most of his key players will be resting (at least first 60 minutes).

Woverhampton started this season as clear underdogs. Fast return in second tier is something that has been already predicted to them. But, so far, they’re announcing a battle at least. Two wins in opening six rounds, Wigan on the road (1-0) and in last round Fulham at home (2-1). Worth of mentioning is also their more than decent away display in defeat against Man.City (0-1). Their biggest problem currently is big number of new players, some signings are even new in England and simply need some time to adapt. Also, Wolves have had a lots of injury concerns. For tonight’s game, two key players are making comebacks from injury, excellent winger Michael Kightly and striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (both came as the substitutes at Saturday’s win). Also new signing, striker Stefan Maierhofer, will have his debut. Boss Mick McCarthy will try to use this game for morale boosting, but also as a test game for Premier League. This could be the strongest Wolves’ team this season. 

United are always favorites wherever they play, but I can not see any obvious domination. Although home win is probable, I can not see any convincing win and wouldn’t even write off some surprising result at Trafford. Especially because I expect some outcome from Wolves’ attacking force. Asian handicap +1.75 on visitors seems as a very good value and nice choice, (188 offer 1.95), while Pinnacle for +1.5 offer also more than decent 2.20. 

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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Blackburn defender Michel Salgado will try to convince his former Real Madrid team-mate David Beckham to join him at Ewood Park. Beckham is keen to move to Europe from Los Angeles Galaxy in January. (The Sun) 
Forward Lionel Messi is set to sign a £170,000-a-week deal (after tax) to stay at Barcelona until 2016. (Daily Mail) 
West Brom want to sign Fulham striker Diomansy Kamara on loan. (The Sun)
Baggies boss Roberto di Matteo also wants to agree a loan deal for Blackburn defender Zuran Khizanishvili. (Daily Mirror) 
Everton are keeping tabs on Bristol City full-back James Wilson, who is currently on loan at Brentford. (Daily Mirror)
Fulham could also be set to lose Sweden international defender Fredrik Stoor, who is hoping to secure a loan move from the club. (The Sun) 
Bolton centre-back Danny Shittu is set to move to Sheffield United on loan, with a view to a permanent switch. (Daily Mirror)
Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood, who has been suffering from a badly bruised foot, is hoping to prove his fitness in order to secure a three-month loan move to Newcastle. (Daily Mirror) 
Notts County boss Ian McParland has confirmed he is interested in signing Malta international striker Michael Mifsud, who is a free agent after leaving Coventry. (Daily Star)
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has reiterated his determination to hang on to winger Adam Johnson, who is out of contract at the end of the season.(Daily Mirror) 
Southgate is also set to tie up loan deals for Preston defender Sean St Ledger and Hull striker Caleb Folan. (Daily Mail) 
Preston are keen on Stockport striker Carl Baker. (The Sun) 
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has emerged as a transfer target for Celtic boss Tony Mowbray.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United striker Michael Owen's 2010 World Cup hopes have been hit after he was told by Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson he will only be used as a back-up striker. (The Sun) 
United, meanwhile, want Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor banned from the teams' Premier League meeting on Sunday after his alleged stamp on Arsenal's Robin van Persie.(The Sun) 
Kevin Keegan has started his battle for £10m in compensation from Newcastle, claiming he was forced out of his position as manager in September 2008. (Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth boss Paul Hart says he does not fear the sack, despite presiding over the club's worst start to a season in their 111-year history. (Daily Star) 
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has fined defenders Ronald Zubar and George Elokobi a fortnight's wages after the pair turned up late for a team meeting before Saturday's defeat by Blackburn. (Daily Star)
Former Ipswich goalkeeper Shane Supple, who retired from professional football in August at the age of 22, wants to follow in his father's footsteps and join the Irish police force. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

England bosses have sent a list of demands they want for their South Africa World Cup base - including a computer games arcade. Manager Fabio Capello wants to ensure his players do not get bored and has asked for a special room in their hotel with a Wii, a Playstation and other games. (Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Andrea Pirlo believes his decision to snub Chelsea proves that AC Milan are a team with ambition. "If I thought Milan's aim was a good place in the standings I'd be at Chelsea now," he said. (Reuters)
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia believes defender Kolo Toure left the Gunners because he was "bored" and fears the same could happen with captain Cesc Fabregas. (Press Association). 
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has already sealed a deal with Bayern Munich to buy Franck Ribery on a five-year contract starting in 2010.(Goal.com) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is closing in on Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin after being priced out of a move for Manchester City's Richard Dunne.(The Sun) 
Liverpool have had a £6m move for defender Michael Turner rejected, with Hull demanding £12m.(Daily Mail) 
Everton and Tottenham are both tracking Inter Milan's Nigerian striker Victor Obinna, who should cost around £3m.(Daily Mail) 
Sunderland are set to make a second attempt to prise Lee Cattermole from Wigan Athletic.(The Times) 
Luca Toni's agent believes the Italian international is close to joining countryman Gianfranco Zola at West Ham.(Independent) 
Manager Roy Hodgson fears for Brede Hangeland's Fulham future after Arsenal admitted an interest in the Norwegian defender.(The Sun) 
Free-agent Mark Viduka is holding out for a two-year, £40,000 a week deal to solve Portsmouth's striker crisis, although Pompey have offered the Australian forward, 33, a one-year, £30,000-a- week contract.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storie has confirmed that the Fratton Park side are monitoring Celtic full-back Lee Naylor, while reiterating the club's desire to hold onto Sylvain Distin, Niko Kranjcar and David James.(The Independent) 
Bordeaux manager Laurent Blanc has questioned Arsene Wenger's desire to sign Marouane Chamakh and says he could have the striker within "48 hours" if he really wanted him.(Daily Mail) 
Everton are monitoring 25-year-old Toulouse right back Albin Ebondo, who is available for around £2m.(Daily Mail )

OTHER GOSSIP

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has branded the club "a joke", adding the players "haven't got a clue what is going on".(Daily Mail) 
Arsene Wenger has stressed that the looming Champions League qualifier against Celtic will carry a crucial significance for Arsenal from a sporting rather than financial perspective.(Daily Telegraph) 
Michael Owen will miss the cut when Fabio Capello trims his pre-selection squad to a 23-man party for England's friendly match against Holland on Wednesday.(The Times) 
Frank Lampard has described himself as a "Chelsea lifer" and insisted he could play until he is 38. The England midfielder has also revealed he would love to manage the Blues one day.(The Times) 

AND FINALLY

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway admits he will have mixed feelings when he leads his new side into battle with former club QPR. "If you met your ex-missus in a pub, would you have feelings for her? Of course you would," he said. (The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o will drop his wage demands to join Manchester United for £25m.(News of the World) 
Chelsea are prepared to sell captain John Terry to Manchester City for £45m.(News of the World) 
But central defender Terry will only be allowed to leave if he hands in a written transfer request.(News of the World) 
Manchester City are said to be preparing a final £35m bid for England captain Terry.(Mail on Sunday) 
Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Liverpool's Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano.(News of the World) 
Mascherano's departure looks imminent after he fell out with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez towards the end of last season.(Mail on Sunday) 
New Manchester United striker Michael Owen has revealed how he would have taken a £100,000 pay cut to rejoin old club Liverpool.(News of the World) 
Manchester United winger Nani fears for his future at the club following the arrival of Antonio Valencia. Both Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are interested in the Portuguese 22-year-old.(News of the World) 
New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to be handed a transfer kitty of £60m when he officially takes over on Monday.(Daily Star on Sunday) 
Chelsea could use some of that cash to make a move for Real Madrid winger Wesley Sneijder.(News of the World) 
And the Stamford Bridge club could make a last-ditch attempt to sign Argentine forward Carlos Tevez who is on the verge of joining Manchester City.(News of the World) 
Newcastle United are lining up a double swoop for Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell and Manchester City forward Ched Evans.(News of the World)
Liverpool will have to battle it out with Real Madrid for Valencia midfielder David Silva.(News of the World) 
Real Madrid are set to bid £55m for Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery. Frenchman Ribery is also wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United.(Daily Star on Sunday) 
AC Milan are ready to offer £20m plus former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini for Gunners striker Emmanuel Adebayor. (Sunday Mirror)
But Adebayor's agent Stephane Courbis has said the 25-year-old will remain at the club, ending speculation of a move to Italian side AC Milan. (The Observer) 
AC Milan are pursuing Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who is also a target for Manchester United. (Sunday Times)
Everton manager David Moyes is lining up a move for Manchester United's veteran midfielder Paul Scholes.(Daily Star on Sunday) 
Everton's Australian midfielder Tim Cahill has told friends he fancies a move to Italy or Spain as he is fed up with the rain in England. (Sunday Express)
Fulham are set to battle it out with Sunderland and AC Milan for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.(Daily Star on Sunday) 
But Sunderland appear to have won the race for £14m rated England striker Crouch. (The People)
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is keeping tabs on Athletico Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, who has been dubbed Spain's Peter Crouch.(News of the World) 
Birmingham are interested in taking Tottenham left-back Gareth Bale on loan next season. (Daily Star on Sunday)
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is lining up a £4m bid for Norway striker Moa Abdellaoue from Valarenga.(News of the World) 
Wigan are battling it out with Sunderland for Reading winger Stephen Hunt.(News of the World) 
Former Arsenal and Portsmouth defender Lauren is wanted by Hull City.(News of the World) 
Hull are also keeping tabs on Fulham striker Bobby Zamora having lost out in the race to sign Fraizer Campbell.(News of the World) 
Bolton manager Gary Megson is preparing a £3m bid for Manchester City's Swiss midfielder Gelson Fernandes.(News of the World)
Middlesbrough are lining up Preston keeper Wayne Henderson as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Ross Turnbull.(News of the World) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is drawing up plans for a European style Super League that would destroy the structure of top flight football in England.(News of the World) 
A billionaire Swiss family are the latest group to be linked to a takeover of troubled south-coast side Southampton.(Mail on Sunday) 
Former Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear has been given the go-ahead to return to management after his recent health problems.(Mail on Sunday) 

AND FINALLY

New Manchester United striker Michael Owen says he was made to feel like a "criminal" at former club Newcastle because of all his injury problems at St James' Park. (Daily Star on Sunday) 
Former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez is confident he will not be viewed as a traitor by the Old Trafford faithful if he completes a transfer to the club's cross-city rivals. (The People)
www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Former Liverpool and Newcastle striker Michael Owen will have to take a 50% pay cut - to £50,000-a-week - and pass a stringent medical before making a shock move to Manchester United.(The Sun) 
Actually, Owen could be offered a basic wage of a paltry £20,000-a-week, with performance-related bonuses taking him close to the £110,000-a-week he earned at Newcastle.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea are the only club to have submitted a formal bid, of about £40m, for Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery - but the French international wants to join Real Madrid.(Daily Telegraph) 
Real Madrid have put their bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso on hold, until mid-July when his former club Real Sociedad will no longer be entitled to a percentage of the fee.(The Sun) 
Liverpool are steeling themselves for two bids worth nearly a combined £60m from Real Madrid and Barcelona for Alonso and his fellow midfielder Javier Mascherano. (Daily Telegraph)
Manchester United will make a £16m move for Sevilla's 28-year-old Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano, but face competition from AC Milan.(Daily Mirror) 
Barcelona have risked the wrath of Arsenal by making an approach for midfielder Cesc Fabregas.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell is considering a shock move to Championship club Newcastle United.(Daily Star) 
Chelsea are close to signing Man City youngster Daniel Sturridge and and CSKA Moscow left-back Yuri Zhirkov.(Daily Telegraph) 
AC Milan could make a remarkable £12m bid for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch if they fail to sign Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor.(The Sun) 
Fulham are also keen on Pompey's giant hitman, preparing a £10m bid.(Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa are weighing up a potential £8m bid for 22-year-old Swedish striker Marcus Berg, who impressed at the recent Euro Under-21 Championship.(Daily Star) 
Tottenham will have to pay £12m to sign Lille's 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder Michel Bastos.(Daily Mail) 
Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, 32, will seal his move from Southampton to West Ham on Monday.(The Sun) 
Hull boss Phil Brown could be set to offer veteran midfielder Dietmar Hamann a 12-month contract after he was released by Manchester City.(Daily Mirror) 
West Brom have rejected a £2m bid from Fulham for captain Jonathan Greening. (Daily Star) Everton are set to raid Leeds to sign highly-rated defender Luke Garbutt in a £1m deal. (Daily Star)
Wolves will complete the £2m signing of Sunderland defender Greg Halford, 24, on Friday. (The Sun) 
Stoke are set to make a £5m bid for Manchester City's Zimbabwean striker Benjani.(Daily Star) 
Watford have accepted a £1.8m bid from Sheffield United for their player of the year Tommy Smith, 28. (The Sun) 
Nottingham Forest are set to sign Preston's Paul McKenna and QPR's Lee Camp in the next 48 hours. (Daily Star)
Norwich are close to signing Crystal Palace striker Alan Lee, 30, in a deal which could take goalkeeper Stuart Nelson, 27, the other way. (Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is hoping to sell the club to a Malaysian group - after a secret trip by the prospective buyers on Thursday. (Various)
Ipswich boss Roy Keane has told Bristol City manager Gary Johnson to "mind his own business" after Johnson said he thought the Tractor Boys would sign Lee Martin from Man Utd. (Daily Mirror) 
New West Brom boss Roberto di Matteo insists he will decide on signings, not sporting director Dan Ashworth.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

In four years at Newcastle, Michael Owen started 65 games and scored 30 goals. He is reported to have cost the relegated club an eye-watering £41m in fees and wages. (Various)
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Wednesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Discussions between Chelsea and Inter Milan over a possible switch to Italy for defender Ricardo Carvalho and midfielder Deco have collapsed. The Blues value the pair at £12m while the Nerazzurri are unwilling to go beyond £6m.(La Gazzetta Dello Sport (in Italian)) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona will turn their attentions to prising midfielder Cesc Fabregas away from Arsenal after learning that previous target Franck Ribery would prefer to leave Bayern Munich for Real Madrid. (Daily Star) 
The proposed move of Samuel Eto'o to Manchester City may be wrecked by the Cameroon striker's demands for a slice of any transfer fee Barcelona receive. (Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce will offer former Everton winger Andy van der Meyde, who is currently without a club, the chance to resurrect his career at Ewood Park. (The Sun)
Real Madrid are delaying a move for Liverpool's Xabi Alonso until a sell-on clause with the midfielder's former club Real Sociedad expires later in July. (Daily Mail) 
Having been frustrated in their pursuit of Felipe Melo, Arsenal will go head to head with Tottenham for the signature of Marseille midfielder Loik Cana. (Daily Express) 
After securing Wigan's Antonio Valencia, Manchester United could now bolster their forward line with a move for £11m-rated Toulouse forward Andre-Pierre Gignac. (The Star) 
Or it may be that Lyon's Karim Benzema is next on United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's list of priorities at Old Trafford, with the France international forward's team-mate Miralem Pjanic claiming a £38m move is in the offing. (The Times) 
CSKA Moscow left-back Yuri Zhirkov, Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge and Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull will be the first three players brought to Chelsea by new manager Carlo Ancelotti. (Daily Telegraph) 
Michael Owen is holding out for offers from Aston Villa and Everton as his Newcastle United contract comes to an end today.(The Independent) 
Brazilian forward Jo will return to Everton on loan next season, with Manchester City boss Mark Hughes unable to promise him a regular first-team place. (The Sun) 
Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Arsenal's Philippe Senderos as well as fellow defenders Sylvain Distin of Portsmouth and David Wheater of Middlesbrough. (Daily Mail)
Tottenham are weighing up an approach for Lokomotiv Moscow and Switzerland goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic. (The Times) 
Celtic's hopes of signing West Brom's Marc-Antoine Fortune have been given a boost as the forward has stalled on a proposed move to Hull. (Daily Record)
Ipswich manager Roy Keane is poised to raid former club Manchester United for winger Lee Martin. (Daily Mirror) 
Bolton have moved to snap up Sean Davis on a free transfer after he turned down Portsmouth's offer of a new deal, while Swansea's Ferrie Bodde could line up alongside him in midfield if a £2.5m switch goes through. (The Sun)
Middlesbrough are preparing for life in the Championship with a £400,000 bid for Sheffield United midfielder Nick Montgomerie. (Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn's South Africa striker Benni McCarthy is concerned that a lack of first-team games may be harming his chances of appearing for the host nation in next summer's World Cup and may move to Spanish side Celta Vigo. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has said that AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all enquired about the possibility of him leaving Old Trafford but, despite his wife's eagerness to move away from England, he is determined to stay put.(The Sun)
Paul Ince could return to management with former club MK Dons after Roberto Di Matteo left for West Brom. (Daily Mirror) 
Three consortia are weighing up offers for Newcastle but it is unlikely that the club will be sold before next week. (The Guardian) 
England coach Fabio Capello has told his scouts to monitor Sylvan Ebanks-Blake once the new Premier League season gets under way to see if the Wolves striker is ready for the step up to international football. (The Sun) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that the chance to develop the young players at the Gunners convinced him to stay at the Emirates rather than join big-spending Real Madrid. (Daily Mirror) 
Celtic could move in to pole position to sign Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune after Hull City threatened to withdraw their £4m bid for the player. (Daily Record)
Ipswich manager Roy Keane is stepping up interest in Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley. (The Star) 
Hearts director Sergejus Fedotovas insists the club is not actively looking to cash in on winger Andy Driver amid interest from Burnley in the player. (The Scotsman)

AND FINALLY

Manchester City will recruit Endemol, the company behind reality TV series Big Brother, to expand their global brand. (The Guardian) 
Former Hibernian striker Keith Wright has warned fellow forward Steven Fletcher that he is not yet ready for the Premier League after his £3m move to Burnley. (Various)
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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal are poised to hijack Manchester United's £25m bid to sign 21-year-old striker Karim Benzema from Lyon.(News of the World) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will intensify negotiations to for £45m Atletico Madrid playmaker Sergio Aguero and complete the £14m signing of Wigan striker Luis Antonio Valencia. (Sunday Mail) 
Manchester City have completed a £25m swoop for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o, 28, and they are expected to announce that they have also signed Carlos Tevez. (News of the World) 
Chelsea will make a new £50m offer for AC Milan's Brazilian striker Pato after their initial £45m bid for the 19-year-old was rejected. 
Meanwhile, Blues striker Didier Drogba, midfielder Michael Essien and defender Ashley Cole are to be offered new £125,000-a-week deals, but Joe Cole and Jose Bosingwa could be on their way out of Stamford Bridge. (News of the World) 
Chelsea are also set to test Bayern Munich's resolve with a £50m bid for French winger Franck Ribery.(Sunday Express )
Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant is agonising over a switch across Stanley Park to join Everton. (News of the World) 
Xabi Alonso's future at Anfield depends on Real Madrid's bid to sign David Villa from Valencia. If Real fail to purchase the striker, they will meet Liverpool's £25m asking price for Alonso. (News of the World)
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has urged manager Rafael Benitez to try and sign one of his Spanish international team-mates David Villa, David Silva or Juan Mata, who all play for Valencia. (News of the World) 
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley expects to receive two bids for the club this week which could determine Alan Shearer's long-term future at St James' Park.(Sunday Mirror) 
Aston Villa are ready to make a £5m swoop for German international Tim Borowski, 29, who plays in midfield for Bayern Munich.(News of the World) 
Stoke are ready to smash their transfer record and spend £6m on Newcastle's Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins. But they are likely to face competition from Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham.(News of the World) 
West Ham want to bring Anton Ferdinand back to Upton Park from Sunderland in a cut-price deal. New Black Cats boss Steve Bruce does not want the 24-year-old, who moved to Wearside last summer, and Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola will make a £2m bid.(News of the World) 
Meanwhile, Bruce is ready to make a £5m bid for Rangers 24-year-old midfielder Steven Davis.(News of the World) 
Southampton could this week be forced to sell former England Under-21 midfielder Andrew Surman just to meet the club's wage bill. (The Sun)
QPR are expected to head a queue of clubs willing to pay a cut-price £400,000 for the 22-year-old who has made 133 appearances for the Saints.(Sunday Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Newcastle face a £750,000 wage bill for strikers Michael Owen and Mark Viduka, even though the pair may not play for the club again.
Both players' deals expire on Tuesday, but they have a clause in their contracts that means they will be paid for another month if they do not sign for clubs in July.(News of the World) 

AND FINALLY

Brazil and Real Madrid playmaker Kaka has delivered a stinging blow to Manchester City by revealing that they were not a big enough club to tempt him to the Premier League. (News of the World)
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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Valencia striker David Villa will decide on a move to either Real Madrid or Chelsea this week. (The Sun) 
Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has backed boss Martin O'Neill's attempts to outgun Everton and Roma in the battle for Newcastle striker Michael Owen. (Daily Mirror) 
Villa will also compete with Liverpool in trying to sign Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin (on photo). (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, meanwhile, says he is not interested in signing striker Ezequiel Lavezzi from Napoli. (Daily Mail) 
AC Milan may have lost Kaka but they have overtaken Arsenal and Manchester City in the race to sign Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko.(Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn could move for Austria striker Marc Janko if they sell Roque Santa Cruz, who is again a target for Manchester City. (Daily Mail) 
Meanwhile, Rovers are ready to sell defender Zurab Khizanishvili to Turkish outfit Galatasaray. 
(Daily Mirror) 
West Ham's takeover will result in manager Gianfranco Zola renewing his attempt to sign Inter Milan's £15m-rated attacking midfielder Luis Jimenez. (Daily Mirror) 
The Hammers also want Rennes right-back Rod Fanni and Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates. (Daily Mirror) 
But defender Matthew Upson could be sold by Zola after he was told by the club's new owners that he would have to generate his own transfer funds by selling players. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov and defender Nemanja Vidic will not be leaving the club, according to their agents.(Daily Star) 
Tottenham could make a £4.8m loss by offloading striker Roman Pavlyuchenko to Italian side Roma for £9m. (Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham will have to battle it out with Bolton for the signing of defender Danny Shittu, while the Midlands club have also set their sights on Newcastle defender David Edgar. (Daily Star)
Wolves are to sign centre-back Ronald Zubar from Marseille for £2.5m. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Andorra coach David Rodrigo believes his side can frustrate England in their World Cup qualifier on Wednesday and get the fans booing rival boss Fabio Capello. (Daily Star) 
Former Liverpool team-mates John Barnes and Jason McAteer are rivals to become the next Tranmere boss but could end up working together. (The Sun) 
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo will have tests to see whether he needs a hernia operation after pulling out of Portugal's friendly against Estonia. (Times) 
Watford are to appoint former defender Malky Mackay as their new manager. (Daily Star) 
Celtic will have to pay West Brom £2m in compensation if they want Baggies boss Tony Mowbray. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has had offers of £10, Oasis tickets and a Curly Wurly after inviting offers for the Tyneside outfit by e-mail. The Magpies have been given a £100m price tag. (The Sun)
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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham are leading the race to sign former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy - with his current club Real Madrid ready to let the 32-year-old Dutch striker go for just £1.25m.(The People) 
Alternatively, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has his sights set on a £10m move for Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz.(News of the World) 
Manchester City will offer defender Micah Richards as bait in their bid to sign Everton centre-back Joleon Lescott.(News of the World) 
Newcastle striker Michael Owen is wanted by Aston Villa, but the 29-year-old will have to take a £70,000-a-week pay cut to seal the move.(News of the World) 
However, Italian club Roma are also eyeing up a move for the England striker. (Sunday Mirror)
Italian champions Inter Milan are preparing a £25m bid for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester United face losing out to Champions League conquerors Barcelona in the race to sign France stars Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema. (Mail on Sunday) 
Barcelona are also planning a £20m swoop for United defender Nemanja Vidic.(Daily Star Sunday) 
United boss Alex Ferguson is planning to boost his defensive options by signing Sheffield United's £7m-rated right-back Kyle Naughton. (Sunday Mirror) 
Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson will move back to Chelsea this week in a deal worth £16m. (Various) 
New Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will make an ambitious bid to land Antonio Valencia from his former club Wigan. (Various)
Bruce is also keen to sign centre-back Titus Bramble from the Latics. (News of the World) 
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is ready to swoop for Paris St Germain star Jerome Rothen. (The People)
Manchester City will continue their summer spending spree with the signing of Athletic Bilbao's Spanish midfielder Javi Martinez, who is rated as one of the hottest prospects in Europe. (The People) 
Hull City manager Phil Brown is set to bid £4m for Bolton striker Kevin Davies. (The People)
Fulham are leading the race for Middlesbrough's England Under-21 winger Adam Johnson. (The People) 
Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson is also ready to offer £1m for Nuremberg's Australian centre-half Matthew Spiranovic.(News of the World) 
Stoke will battle it out with Blackburn and Sunderland to sign Newcastle's Alan Smith for £3m. (Various) 
Liverpool are set to make a shock move to re-sign striker Peter Crouch from Portsmouth for as little as £4m. (Sunday Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP

Alan Shearer is ready to walk away from Newcastle because owner Mike Ashley is stalling on talks regarding his potential future as manager of the club.(The People) 
This could be because Shearer is not Ashley's preferred choice for the vacant manager's post at St James' Park, and the only way he will become their new boss is if a new buyer for the club is found. (Mail on Sunday) 
Alternatively, Shearer could replace Celtic-bound manager Tony Mowbray at West Brom.(News of the World) 
One potential saviour of Newcastle is former chairman Freddy Shepherd, who is planning to launch a £75m takeover bid to resume control of the club this week. (Sunday Mirror)
West Ham are set to become the latest Premier League club to be taken over by Americans in a £70m takeover. (Mail on Sunday) 
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba insists he wants to talk to new manager Carlo Ancelotti about his vision for the future before signing a new deal with the club. (The People) 
Andorra centre-back Oscar Sonejee - who is set to line up for his country in the World Cup qualifier against England on Wednesday - has blasted England's players, claiming some of them care more about having a celebrity lifestyle than playing football. (The People)
English clubs could be forced to abandon plans to recruit foreign players and shop at home in the near future if Fifa goes ahead with plans to introduce legislation requiring clubs to include up to six 'domestic' players in their side. (Sunday Express)
Liverpool are facing a legal backlash after dismissing 16 members of their backroom staff, who are now set to seek compensation for unfair dismissal. (News of the World)
Former Liverpool and England winger John Barnes is set to be named Tranmere Rovers boss this week.(News of the World) 

AND FINALLY

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has revealed that he never liked new Black Cats boss Steve Bruce when the two were both players, but he has long since buried the hatchet. (Various)
New Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has been brushing up on his English in a Dutch convent that offers intensive language courses. (The People)

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Tuesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

AC Milan playmaker Kaka insists he wants to stay at the San Siro. Speculation has been rife that the Brazil star, who turned down a move to Manchester City in January, will follow his former coach Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea. (PA 0948 BST)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

New Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has made AC Milan's Brazilian striker Pato and Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson his top targets. The Blues have bid £30m for Pato and have offered £12m for their former player Johnson. (The Sun) 
AC Milan have hinted it will be hard for them to reject a substantial offer for their Brazilian playmaker Kaka, which could alert Chelsea and Real Madrid.(The Sun) 
Everton manager David Moyes is offering Newcastle striker Michael Owen £50,000 a week to make the switch to Goodison Park. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City's Brazilian forward Robinho has ruled out a summer switch to his homeland club Santos. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United hope to sign striker Carlos Tevez on a permanent deal on Wednesday - but only on their terms. (Daily Mirror) 
Real Madrid will use rookie striker Negredo as bait in a bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso - but they will first have to buy back the forward from Almeria.(The Sun) 
Birmingham have tabled a club record £6m bid for Santos Laguna's Ecuador striker Christian Benitez but face competition from several other Premier League clubs. (The Sun)
Fulham look set to beat Portsmouth to the signing of Brazilian left-back Felip Lopes, who plays for Portuguese side Nacional. (The Sun) 
Tottenham are keen to sell defender Pascal Chimbonda to Blackburn for about £3m as the Londoners chase Marseille utility man Lorik Cana, who is valued at £5m. (Various)
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to bring goalkeeper Paul Robinson back to the club, a year after he was sold to Blackburn. (Daily Star) 
Sunderland will make a £5m bid for Wigan defender Titus Bramble, once Steve Bruce is installed as manager. (Daily Star)
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate wants to hand Manchester United defender Gary Neville a lead role in getting Boro back into the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 
Hull boss Phil Brown is eager to sign Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan.(Daily Mirror) 
Wolves and Birmingham are set to battle for the signature of Bolton defender Danny Shittu. (Daily Mirror) 
Bristol City midfielder Marvin Elliott is a £2m target for West Brom but Blackburn and Wolves are also interested. (Various)
Derby boss Nigel Clough is set to sign Exeter midfielder Dean Moxey in a £275,000 deal.(Daily Star)
Charlton are lining up a double defensive swoop, with Southend's Peter Clarke and Miguel Llera of MK Dons the targets. (Daily Star) 
Gillingham are set to open talks with Oldham for midfielder Kevin Maher. (Daily Star)
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is keen on signing Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara. (Daily Star) 
Leeds United look set to lose midfielder Bradley Johnson to Crystal Palace and forward Robert Snodgrass to Sheffield United. (Daily Mirror)


OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich picked Italian Carlo Ancelotti as the club's new manager because he wants a yes man in charge. The Russian tycoon plans to be more hands-on at Stamford Bridge than before, deciding which players will come in and are let go. (Daily Star) 
England coach Fabio Capello has recommended under-21s manager Stuart Pearce for a new improved contract. (The Sun) 
Alan Shearer still wants to become Newcastle manager on a permanent basis, despite owner Mike Ashley's sale plans causing meltdown at the club. (The Sun) 
Former Aston Villa boss Graham Taylor believes current incumbent Martin O'Neill needs to sign five new players if the club are to challenge for a Champions League spot. (Daily Mirror) 
Reading want to offer Watford boss Brendan Rogers their vacant manager's job. (Daily Mirror)
West Ham defender Lucas Neill has hinted he may stay with the club, despite rejecting one offer of a new deal. (The Sun) 
Fears are growing for the viability of Setanta's financial commitment to the Scottish Premier League after the broadcaster defaulted on a £3m payment. (The Herald)
Celtic face competition from Wigan and Real Sociedad in their pursuit of Swansea manager Roberto Martinez. (Various) 
Wigan may turn to Dundee United's Craig Levein if they miss out on Martinez. (Scottish Sun)

AND FINALLY

Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has lifted the lid on his team's pampered lifestyle - admitting he even rings someone to rush over and change a lightbulb. Evra says he can call player liaison manager Barry Moorhouse night or day. (Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Sunday's gossip column

MANCHESTER UNITED GOSSIP

Carlos Tevez broke down in tears as he waved an apparent final farewell to Manchester United supporters, following the goalless draw with Arsenal that clinched their third successive Premier League title. He had earlier told Argentine TV: "I know that I am not going to continue at Manchester United." (Observer) 
Angry supporters hurled bottles and sprayed beer at the entrance to Old Trafford in protest against the club's alleged treatment of Tevez. (News of the World) 
Liverpool are the front-runners to sign the Argentine, in a deal variously reported to be worth between £22m and £26m. (Sunday Express) 
Sir Alex Ferguson is "not contemplating retiring" and has set his sights on at least another five years in football management. (News of the World) 
Ferguson is lining up defender Rio Ferdinand for a coaching role once his current contract expires in 2013, while Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are both expected to take on some coaching responsibilities at the club this summer. (News of the World) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Robin Van Persie could be set to leave Arsenal, who are considering cashing in on the striker after contract talks stalled. (News of the World) 
Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger's summer transfer kitty at Arsenal has been reduced to just £13m. (Mail on Sunday) 
Mark Hughes wants to bring Benfica pair Luisao and Oscar Cardozo to Manchester City. (News of the World) 
Michael Owen will take a 50% drop in pay if it helps him secure a summer move away from Newcastle. (Sunday Express) 
But Alan Shearer has asked Newcastle owner Mike Ashley to make sure the services of defender Sebastien Bassong are secured on a permanent basis, to ward off interest from Arsenal. (Sunday Telegraph) 
Aston Villa have joined Liverpool and Spurs in the queue to sign Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing. (News of the World) 
Fulham are confident they can lure Paul Scharner from Wigan in a £6m deal. (News of the World) 
Bolton boss Gary Megson is keen on a £2m deal to sign Joey Barton from Newcastle, but first has to convince the Bolton board the midfielder is worth the gamble. (News of the World) 

OTHER GOSSIP

New rules could be introduced limiting Premier League clubs to as few as 25 players in their squad for an entire season. (Observer) 
Alan Shearer has placed permanent contract talks with Newcastle on hold after watching his side suffer a potentially catastrophic defeat by Fulham on Saturday. (News of the World) 
Croatia boss Slaven Bilic is the leading candidate to replace Ricky Sbragia at Sunderland, who are keen on a manager with a higher profile. (News of the World) 
Chelsea have made "contingency plans" in case AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti turns down a move to Stamford Bridge this summer. (News of the World) 
Hull City's Premier League survival hopes could rest on Manchester United fielding a heavily-weakened team when the champions line up at the KC Stadium next Sunday. (Sunday Times) 

AND FINALLY 

David Beckham will go head-to-head with Barack Obama on Monday. The England star is launching the nation's bid to host the 2018 World Cup at Wembley, while the US President is backing his country's rival bid. (Sunday Telegraph) 
Culture Secretary Andy Burnham believes England will win the World Cup by 2018. (News of the World)
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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

.

Forward Carlos Tevez could break his ties to businessman Kia Joorabchian to stay at Manchester United for free according to a senior European MP. (The Sun) 

Old Trafford officials are reluctant to meet Joorabchian's valuation of £22m, with a midweek meeting ending with the two parties no nearer a deal. (The Guardian) 
But Tevez and his advisor are ready to walk away from negotiations if United continue to haggle over the fee. (Independent) 
The Argentina star has rejected the chance to move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in a £40m switch as he would prefer to stay in the Premier League. (Daily Mail) 
After failing to convince Kaka to move to Eastlands in January, Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has turned his attentions to his £10m-rated AC Milan team-mate Ronaldinho. (The Mirror) 
Chelsea's Didier Drogba is also in Hughes' sights as he looks to take advantage of a Blues boardroom split on whether to retain the Ivorian. (The Sun) 
Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out the possibility of selling some of his biggest stars to fellow top-four sides, opening up the possibility of Emmanuel Adebayor replacing Drogba at Chelsea. (Various)
Porto defender Bruno Alves is also a possible new arrival at Stamford Bridge, but Tottenham and Real Madrid are also considering meeting his club's £15m valuation. (Daily Star) 
Blackburn Rovers will demand £20m in exchange for in-demand Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz. (The Mirror) 
While Paris-St-Germain midfielder Jerome Rothen could be on his way to Ewood Park after being told he is free to leave by his current employers. (Various) 
Defender Gael Givet, who has been on loan from Marseille since January, could also be snapped up by Sam Allardyce on a £3.5 million deal. (The Sun) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is in a race with Barcelona to sign Cadiz youngster Jesus Fernandez who has been touted as the new Cesc Fabregas. (The Mirror) 
While Real Madrid and Manchester United are ready to do battle for Wigan's Luis Antonio Valencia with Latics boss Steve Bruce resigned to his departure. (The Mirror) 
Sir Alex Ferguson has seen off rival interest from Arsenal to clinch the signing of 16-year-old Le Harve starlet Paul Pogba - a fee, based on appearances and compensation to his French side, has yet to be set. (The Mirror) 
AC Milan's Carlo Ancelotti has targeted CSKA Moscow's Yuri Zhirkov as one of the players he would want to bring to Chelsea should he get the Stamford Bridge job. (Express) 
Tottenham are in talks with Nottingham Forest over a deal to make defender Chris Gunter's loan move to the City Ground permanent. (Daily Mail) 

Wolves will add Doncaster midfielder Brian Stock to their squad at a cost of £2m as they prepare for life in the Premier League. (The Sun)

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OTHER GOSSIP

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AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected to be confirmed on Saturday as Chelsea's manager for next season after Guus Hiddink stands aside. (The Sun) 
But Frank Rijkaard has been earmarked as a fall-back option should the Italian decide to stay with the Rossoneri. (The Times) 
Wayne Rooney has urged the Manchester United hierarchy to end Carlos Tevez's contract limbo and make him a permanent part of the Red Devils' strikeforce. (Various)
Cristiano Ronaldo has apologised to Manchester United kitman Alec Wyllie after snatching a tracksuit top from him after being substituted in the Manchester derby. (The Sun) 
Martin O'Neill has admitted he does not know how much clout Aston Villa will have in the summer transfer market amid fears that owner Randy Lerner's finances suffered in the credit crunch. (The Mirror)
Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen is poised to announce his retirement after admitting defeat in a battle with a knee injury. (Various) 
Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia has told on-loan forward Djibril Cisse to concentrate on guaranteeing the Black Cats' survival rather than worry about where he will be playing next season. (Various)
At north-east neighbours Newcastle Michael Owen's agent has dismissed suggestions the 30-year-old could be ready to quit football as "totally untrue". (Various) 
Mark Hughes believes that he hasn't got the plaudits he deserves for the job he has done at the Manchester City helm. (Various)
Premier League officials will take the Premier League trophy to Old Trafford on Saturday ready to be presented to Manchester United if they take a point from their lunchtime meeting with Arsenal. (The Sun) 
Senior football figures in Brazil and Argentina are to lobby Fifa in an attempt to get the third-party ownership arrangements that surround players such as Tevez and Javier Mascherano outlawed. (The Guardian)
Chief executive Gordon Smith says the Scottish FA cannot introduce goal-line technology until world governing body Fifa changes its opposition to the idea.(Various) 

AND FINALLY 

Rangers full-back Kirk Broadfoot went to hospital for treatment after a microwaved egg exploded in his face, scalding his cheek. (Daily Record) 
A six-man delegation from Manchester United sent to Rome to pick up the club's Champions League final tickets counted each one of the 20,000 allocation - before repeating the process on their return to England. (Express) 
A US court has heard how a bar brawl involving former Chelsea and Wimbledon midfielder Vinnie Jones was sparked by taunts about his age and accent. (The Sun)
Blackburn's El Hadji Diouf has treated himself to a £420,000 chrome-plated Mercedes. "
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Newcastle 3-1 Middlesbrough

Alan Shearer made a substitution with the Midas Touch as Newcastle United got the victory that could preserve their Premier League status and condemn Middlesbrough to life in the Championship. 
Manager Shearer gambled when he replaced Michael Owen with Obafemi Martins 20 minutes from time with the scoreline locked at 1-1 - an outcome unsuitable to either side as they went in search of the victory required to keep their survival hopes alive. 
It was a ploy that paid off in spectacular style as Martins scored within seconds, turning on a loose ball inside the area to shoot low past Middlesbrough keeper Brad Jones and send St James' Park into ecstasy. 
Middlesbrough's spirit was broken after a brave fight, and their fate in this match - and in all likelihood this season - was sealed when another Shearer substitute, Peter Lovenkrands, slammed home Newcastle's third from close range with four minutes remaining. 
It marked a dramatic change in fortune for Shearer, who had failed to record a victory since taking temporary charge at St James' Park in a bid to rescue Newcastle from relegation. 
Newcastle now also have the psychological advantage of moving out of the bottom three and plunging Phil Brown's Hull City into the relegation places as the season reaches its climax.

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Duff, Guthrie, Butt, Nolan, Gutierrez (Lovenkrands 65), Owen (Martins 70), Viduka (Carroll 87).
Subs Not Used: Krul, Coloccini, Ryan Taylor, LuaLua. 
Booked: Butt, Duff, Nolan. 
Goals: Steven Taylor 9, Martins 71, Lovenkrands 86. 

Middlesbrough: Jones, Hoyte, Bates, Huth, Taylor (Adam Johnson 76), Downing, O'Neil, Shawky (Aliadiere 69), Sanli, Emnes, Alves (King 36).
Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Arca, McMahon, Grounds. 
Booked: Bates. 
Goals: Beye 3 og. 

Att: 51,252 
Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).
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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Manchester City are ready to splash out £18m on Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. (News of the World) 
Meanwhile, Anfield boss Rafael Benitez has been handed a £64m war chest to sign players in the summer and he is keen to tie up an £8m deal for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry as a replacement for Alonso. (News of the World) 
Benitez is also set to sell 11 players, including winger Ryan Babel and Andrea Dossena. (News of the World) 
Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez says he will leave the club in the summer but will stay in England to play with one of their rivals in the Premier League. (News of the World) 
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is on his way out of the club following a rant at interim manager Guus Hiddink after the club's Champions League semi-final exit. (Sunday Express) 
Newcastle striker Michael Owen will be offered the chance to resurrect his career at Celtic this summer. The Scottish giants will give Owen a pay-as-you-play deal worth £50,000 a week plus huge bonuses. (News of the World) 
The Magpies are lining up Tottenham striker Darren Bent as Owen's replacement but face competition from Middlesbrough and Sunderland. (News of the World) 
Meanwhile Newcastle's controversial midfielder Joey Barton, who has been told he has no future at the club, is wanted by Tottenham, Blackburn, Portsmouth and Bolton. (Sunday Express) 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is set to make a move for Swansea striker Jason Scotland and could get his man for about £2.5m. (News of the World) 
Hodgson is also tracking Torino full-back Mateo Rubin, but the Italy under-21 defender could be tempted by Everton instead. (News of the World) 
And the Craven Cottage chief will target Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand if he loses Brede Hangeland to Arsenal. (Daily Star on Sunday) 
Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone will opt to stay in the Premier League when he leaves Tottenham this summer - although he is wanted by German side Hamburg. (Daily Star on Sunday) 
Aston Villa are interested in signing £5m-rated Anderlecht centre-back Roland Juhasz. (News of the World) 
Portsmouth are planning a £3m swoop for Cardiff defender Roger Johnson as a replacement for Sol Campbell, who will leave on a free transfer in the summer. (News of the World) 
Wolves hope to make Standard Liege defender Oguchi Onyewu their first signing since being promoted to the Premier League. (News of the World) 
Brighton midfielder Chris Birchall is considering joining David Beckham's MLS side LA Galaxy when his contract expires in the summer. (News of the World) 
Brazlian left-back Sylvinho has paved the way for a move to Celtic after confirming he will leave Barcelona under freedom of contract. (News of the World) 
Hearts midfielder Bruno Aguiar could become a summer target for Coventry City (News of the World) 
Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen is keen to keep Grzegorz Szamotulski and has opened talks with the goalkeeper over a new contract. (Various) 
Dundee United striker Francisco Sandaza will resist interest from Racing Santander and Tenerife in his native Spain and stay at Tannadice. (Sunday Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Chelsea have issued AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelloti a take-it-or-leave it ultimatum over becoming Blues boss this summer. (News of the World) 
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has backed Manchester United's bid for Darren Fletcher to play in the Champions League final, saying he would not be disappointed if the red card the midfielder received against Arsenal was rescinded. (News of the World) 
Uefa president Michel Platini has revealed he fears for the future of football in England, saying he feels the game is being lost to people who only want money. (Mail on Sunday) 
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton is planning to return to the club's training ground in eight days, despite being told by boss Alan Shearer that he is not welcome. (News of the World) 
Referee Tom Henning Ovrebo, who took charge of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, has been ordered by Uefa to refile his match report. The governing body wants more detail before bringing charges against the Blues. (News of the World) 
And Blues striker Didier Drogba, who appeared to verbally abuse Ovrebo after the match, his side were knocked out by Barcelona, faces a ban of up to six months according a to a Uefa official. (Sunday People) 
Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd will try to buy the club back from Mike Ashley if they are relegated. (Mail on Sunday) 
Magpies stand-in boss Alan Shearer will consider signing a four-year deal worth £4m a year if he gets assurances there will not cost-cutting at the club. (Sunday People) 
Robinho has insisted Manchester City will be crowned Premier League champions inside the next two years. (Sunday Mirror) 
Russian bilionaire Alisher Usmanov has claimed the Gunners are not strong enough and need his money now. (News of the World) (News of the World) 
Guus Hiddink is lining up a job in the Chelsea boardroom, returning to the club as an advisor after the autumn once his contract with the Russian national side expires. (Mail on Sunday) 
Frank Rijkaard is being lined up as Manchester City manager for next season if the club's owners from Abu Dhabi decided current boss Mark Hughes cannot steer them into the Champions League. (Mail on Sunday) 
Stoke manager Tony Pulis is set to collect a £500,000 bonus for keeping the club in the Premier League. he will also be offered a new three-year deal on wages of about £1m a year. (News of the World) 
Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo believes the tactics of Scottish Premier League sides are too predictable for European competition. (Sunday Mail) 

AND FINALLY 

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini is dating the cousin of Manchester United striker and former Toffee Wayne Rooney after spotting her on Facebook. (News of the World)
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